Best Cabin Camping near Waterville, IA

Fire Tower Cabin in Yellow River State Forest provides basic kitchen amenities including a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, and coffee pot. The cabin features a queen bed in the sleeping room, two futons, air conditioning, heat, and a fireplace. A screened porch offers additional living space, while outdoor amenities include a grill/smoker and fire ring. Potable drinking water is available outside the cabin. Bathroom facilities consist of a pit toilet located just yards away at the trailhead. "Cabin has basic kitchen: fridge/freezer, micro, coffee pot, table/chairs, sleeping room with queen bed, 2 futons, AC/heat, fireplace screened porch, grill/smoker& fire ring outside, table, potable/drink water outside. NO shower/bathroom, must use pit toilet just yards away at trailhead."

Rustic and modern cabin options exist throughout the region. Backbone State Park offers family cabins that sleep up to four people with heat and air conditioning. These cabins feature a common area with kitchenette, bathroom with toilet and shower, and a bedroom with a mattress. Additional amenities include a stove, refrigerator, microwave, pots and pans, and a coffee maker. The couch in the common area converts to a futon for extra sleeping space. A camper noted, "We stayed in a family cabin that sleeps up to 4 people. You have to reserve cabins and there is a 2 night minimum stay, but the price is extremely reasonable. These cabins also offer heat and A/C."

Most cabins require guests to bring their own linens, pillows, and personal items. Backbone State Park cabins provide mattresses but visitors must supply their own bedding. Kitchen supplies vary significantly between locations - some cabins offer fully equipped kitchens with refrigerators, stoves, and cooking utensils, while others provide only basic amenities. Firewood can typically be purchased at campground offices or nearby towns, though some locations like Red Barn Resort and Campground provide firewood on-site. Grocery stores and supplies are available in nearby communities for additional provisions.

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Best Cabin Sites Near Waterville, Iowa (29)

    1. Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $15 / night

    "Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service."

    "Not a lot of free parking options in this part of Iowa. No water, electric, or dump station, so very much like a parking lot overnight from that perspective."

    2. Pikes Peak State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    McGregor, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 873-2341

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Very nice trails! Some trails are long with a lot of up and down through valley and ravines, so be prepared for the hike."

    "Some sites have the fire ring very close to the parking area and some spots have limited shade (compared to the majority of the campground that is in the trees)."

    3. Fire Tower Cabin — Yellow River State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Waterville, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2254

    $75 / night

    "Cabin has basic kitchen: fridge/freezer, micro, coffee pot, table/chairs, sleeping room with queen bed, 2 futons, AC/heat, fireplace screened porch, grill/smoker& fire ring outside, table, potable"

    "Horses welcome, firewood and ice available. Historical Fire Tower hike/visit is a must. Primitive pack-in sites, 1 cabin available."

    4. Red Barn Resort and Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lansing, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 538-4956

    $25 - $39 / night

    5. Spook Cave and Campground

    1 Review
    Marquette, IA
    12 miles

    "The train tracks are extremely close to slot of sites. Very loud. K ly bsd thing. Cave tour was great but at extra cost. Lake/swimming/fishing was great. Cabin was clean and nice."

    6. Upper Iowa Resort and Rental

    4 Reviews
    New Albin, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 568-3263

    "This campground is perfectly situated on the Upper Iowa River."

    "Wen I lived in Minnesota and my boyfriend was living in iowa, this was our go-to meeting place for our weekend getaways. "

    7. Sports Unlimited Campground

    1 Review
    Prairie du Chien, WI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 326-2141

    8. Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Caledonia, MN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 724-2107

    "Very nice QUIET park! RV Campsites are gravel with fire ring and picnic table. The sites are fairly level. There is also a cabin to rent. Many electric sites."

    "Really enjoyed this park. This one seems to fly a little under the radar as we were able to book 2 sites next to each other for the weekend only a few days prior to our stay."

    9. Broken Paddle Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Lansing, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 586-2699

    $15 - $150 / night

    10. Boulder Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bagley, WI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (608) 996-2201

    $32 - $260 / night

    "The water attractions are great for the kiddos and the cabins aren’t half bad either!"

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Cabin Reviews near Waterville, IA

144 Reviews of 29 Waterville Campgrounds


  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2022

    Fire Tower Cabin — Yellow River State Forest

    Great State Forest cabin with trout fishing

    Cabin has basic kitchen: fridge/freezer, micro, coffee pot, table/chairs, sleeping room with queen bed, 2 futons, AC/heat, fireplace screened porch, grill/smoker& fire ring outside, table, potable/drink water outside. NO shower/bathroom, must use pit toilet just yards away at trailhead.

  • Jessica H.
    May. 9, 2018

    Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    Backbone State Park

    This has been one of my favorite state parks in Iowa to camp thus far. I've tent camped in April and cabin camped in October. The cabin camping was the better of the two experiences, mainly due to the unusually chilly overnight temperatures in April. During the warmer months you can rent canoes from the concession stand. Climbing/rappelling is also allowed in the park via registration at the park office.

    We stayed in a family cabin that sleeps up to 4 people. You have to reserve cabins and there is a 2 night minimum stay, but the price is extremely reasonable. These cabins also offer heat and A/C. Our cabin had a common area with a kitchenette.The bathroom included a toilet and shower. The small, but cozy bedroom included a mattress - you're responsible for bringing your own linens - along with a sink. Additional amenities included stove, frig, microwave, pots and pans, and even a small coffee maker. And, the couch in the common area pulled out into a futon, providing extra sleeping space. Outdoor amenities included a fire pit and picnic bench. Bonus: The back of our cabin area looked out onto Backbone Lake.

    We purchased firewood in Strawberry Point, a small town just a short drive from the park. Iowa requires that firewood be obtained within the county you're staying in due to the Emerald Ash Borer epidemic.

    We fished for trout and hiked along several trails in the park. The Devil's Backbone was our favorite mainly because of the scenery along the bluff. It was the perfect way to view the changing leaves and watch the Maquoketa River flow by.

    While we did have neighbors on either side of us, the noise level was minimal, and everyone was respectful of parking spaces as there is a common parking area in front of the cabins.

    This is a beautiful spot to visit especially in autumn.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2019

    Shady Rest Acres

    Bliss in the middle of the country

    In the middle of the country, in a tiny town called Brownsville, you'll find a little slice of awesome in the form of a hobby farm with campsites, a cabin, and oh ya...the remnants of an old brewery! Patty and Michelle are nothing less than hospitable, knowledgable and gracious.

    Shady Rest Acres is owned and run by two women who are nothing less than the the perfect example of what property owners/business owners should be. Beyond being kind, their property is clean, tidy, beautiful yet rustic and home to so many animals that are all exceptionally well cared for. They have donkeys, Scottish Highland cows (a family of them), sheep, goats, chickens (and they'll even pick the bugs off your car), bees, horses, ducks, cats and dogs (I hope I didn't miss anything!). You have to be "pet friendly" if you stay here, because the the chickens roam, the dogs make friends and the cats meander, just as cats tend to do. If you want to meet the barnyard critters, please only look at them from the outside of the fence unless guided and escorted by the owners.  They are happy to let you meet them with their presence. 

    There are 2 campsites, if you wish.  One is in the middle of the pasture (that's right...near the goats) They will pen up the larger animals if you stay at that site, but it's perfect for stargazing!  The other is nestled in the woods.  Both have fire pits and access to wood. There is an outdoor shower, if you wish, and also a composting toilet.  But there is also access to an indoor bathroom and shower inside the main house.  The cabin is delightfully lovely with beautiful decor, two full sized beds, space for a few kids to crash, small kitchen items (microwave, mini fridge, coffeemaker) as well as a wood stove for cool nights and some A/C for warm days.  The cabin is attached to the main house by way of a small deck (although the cabin is free standing, but sitting above the garage). And some local beverages in the fridge! You will have access to the deck chairs and gas grill, if you want to cook some dinner. For potty stops, you'll have to use the bathroom inside their home, but it's very close and private, as they have another one that they use when guests are staying the night. 

    At no time did we feel like we were invading Patty and Michelle's space, nor did they invade ours.  It was extremely comfortable, and I thought that we could have asked any question without silly looks and even participated in chores, and we would have been welcome to do so. Even though it rained while we were there, it seemed to be just perfect. Beyond the obvious, they are earth conscious, eco friendly in many ways and fully aware of their food sources, which is one reason why they raise their own food.  So they know where it comes from and how it was treated.  I love it. 

    This is rustic slice of hospitality is not only peaceful, but friendly, warm and comforting as well as therapeutic.  Just what the soul ordered.

  • Tori L.
    May. 26, 2024

    Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest

    Dream stay.

    Came to learn more about Tenkara fly fishing. Had a ball. Visited the 3 lookouts including Iowa only Fire tower. Bird life is colorful. Lots of places to hike. Scenery is lush. I had no phone service. Campsites are well mown, have a picnic table and fire ring. Pit toilets. Easy access to water. Drink water and firewood are at the host A frame. There is no dump site. Everyone was very friendly. Helpful. Nights were quiet. Very relaxing.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Beaver Creek Valley State Park Campground

    Beautiful & peaceful

    Very nice QUIET park! RV Campsites are gravel with fire ring and picnic table. The sites are fairly level. There is also a cabin to rent. Many electric sites.

    Very nice hiking trails, make sure to check the map to plan easy hike up and steep hike downhill! Beautiful vistas on the Switchback trail.

    The Mossy Seep trail has interesting plants and unique growth.

    Big Spring Trail boarders the campground, easy walk to see the Spring. Tried to dip feet in the water but couldn’t leave them in the COLD water for long! Water is crystal clear and flowing fast.

    Bathroom (men’s) if functional, has running water at the sinks and showers work well.

    NO PHONE SERVICE which we appreciated.

    The Restaurant “Good Times” is 4 miles away and has good food and service. Also a grocery store in town in case you need more supplies.

    Leaves are just starting to change in September.

  • Ashley D.
    Aug. 23, 2018

    Six Pines Campground — Backbone State Park

    Fun for the whole family

    This campground has many things to do. This place has tent, rv and cabin camping, you can choose modern or non modern camping. Fun activities include fishing, swimming in a lake and also ground fed springs, boat rentals on the lake, hiking also horse trails, rock climbing, caves, playgrounds shelters for events and parties. I am sure there are even more things to do that I didnt have the time for.

  • Kayla S.
    May. 27, 2018

    Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging

    Perfect set-up

    This campground has it all. Situated right along the Root River next to the bike trail. They offer kayak, canoe and tube rentals and shuttles. They also have bike rentals.

    This facility is clean and very well kept. Even the shower rooms are very nice and sanitary.

    This is by far my favorite camping spot. I would recommend this place to any and everyone. Family orientated and pet friendly.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 23, 2021

    Fire Tower Cabin — Yellow River State Forest

    Best Wildplace Camping in Iowa

    Trout streams well fed, campsites spread out well, amenities good for primitive use area. Horses welcome, firewood and ice available. Historical Fire Tower hike/visit is a must. Primitive pack-in sites, 1 cabin available. Modern Cabin is well maintained, electricity, microwave, a full sized refrigerator, and two porches, where one of them is screened in. Sleeps 6.

  • Melissa K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2017

    Boulder Creek Campground

    Pretty Disappointed

    This park fell short in so many ways. Having stayed in other Yogi Bear's we were expecting similar accommodations. I will say they had a lot of rain and it did affect most of the campground. We booked over the phone for two nights. It was nearly $90 for those two nights. This is pretty spendy for us but we were meeting friends there. We arrived at the campground and were given site 14. It as across from our friends cabin so it should have been good. However, we got to our site on a very poorly maintained road only to find the site did not have a fire pit or a picnic table. It was extremely tiny, barely big enough for our truck and definitely not enough room for our two tents. The site was covered in sticks and debris and there was trash bags in front of the cabin across the washed out road. We went down to voice our concern that this was just not going to work and they said to try site 13. Even worse then 14. It was a grass spot, mowed out, no place to park a vehicle, which I'm glad I left at the bottom of the hill, extremely narrow, washed out road going to site 13. There still was no picnic table but there was a fire pit. Stated this is just not going to work. We paid way too much for so little accommodations. They said they couldn't refund or move us to an electric site (we didn't need electric but the two previously mentioned sites were not going to work) without talking to their boss. After already spending 28 days in a tent, across the country, I was pretty upset that this yogi bear was so bad. They did end up moving me to site 17, which was one of the few that did not have a completely flooded fire ring. Which leads to the next things, almost all of the grounds were completely flooded. Fire rings couldn't even be seen they were so far under water. To walk to any part of the park involved getting your feet wet. The playground swings were above water making it difficult for the kids to reach them without getting really wet. There had been no attempts to move any water from the storms making it difficult to enjoy parts of the park. The pool was pretty cold but I suppose it is Wisconsin. The staff did have many events going on but if you were early, you wouldn't even know the events were going on. They showed up right on time and then had to set up. But they did do a variety of races and had a pirates and princess dance. They brought in actual hair dressers to do the little girls hair for them. That was something the girls in the group enjoyed. They also had cartoons playing in the evenings. The kids also enjoyed that. Overall, I would never return, there are so many really nice parks in Wisconsin for way less money. This was not worth it at all.


Guide to Waterville

Cabin camping near Waterville, Iowa offers a serene escape into nature, with options that cater to various preferences and needs.

Cabins are available at Fire Tower Cabin — Yellow River State Forest

  • The Fire Tower Cabin features a basic kitchen setup, making it convenient for meal preparation during your stay at Fire Tower Cabin — Yellow River State Forest.
  • Enjoy the comfort of a queen bed and two futons, perfect for families or small groups looking to unwind in a rustic setting.
  • The cabin includes a screened porch and outdoor grill, allowing you to soak in the natural surroundings while enjoying a meal outdoors.

Cabin campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Upper Iowa Resort and Rental, guests can enjoy clean bathrooms and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • The campground offers a man-made pond with a beach, providing a unique swimming experience right at your doorstep.
  • Friendly staff and hosts enhance the camping experience, making it a welcoming environment for all visitors.

Some prices for cabin camping range from $12 to $90

  • The cost for a night at Fire Tower Cabin — Yellow River State Forest is around $12, making it an affordable option for those seeking a budget-friendly getaway.
  • Rates at Upper Iowa Resort and Rental vary, with some sites priced around $90, reflecting the amenities and location along the Upper Iowa River.
  • For a family-friendly experience, Skip-A-Way Resort offers cabin rentals that provide access to various activities, with prices that cater to different budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Waterville, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Waterville, IA is Big Paint Campground — Yellow River State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Waterville, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 29 cabin camping locations near Waterville, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.